Source: Daily_Mail
Roger Johnson boost for Birmingham as defender should face Sunderland
Key Birmingham defender Roger Johnson is set to return to training on Thursday and should be fit for Saturday's crucial relegation clash with Sunderland.[LNB] Johnson suffered concussion and had to be substituted at half-time during last weekend's 1-1 draw at Blackburn. [LNB]But the former Cardiff player made City boss Alex McLeish aware as early as Monday that he was determined to face the Black Cats. [LNB] Heading for a sore one: Johnson clashed with Blackburn striker Jason Roberts last weekend[LNB]McLeish said: 'Roger has made some improvement. He has not trained this week but we expect him to train today and he should be ready. [LNB]'He was a bit groggy but it would take something really bad to stop him playing. That's the sort of guy he is. [LNB]'He texted me on Monday and said "I've got a bit of a headache but I'll be okay for the weekend".'[LNB] Birmingham's lengthy injury list is only showing signs of slightly improving with Obafemi Martins (groin) and Martin Jiranek (toe) still doubtful. [LNB]But City's performances in taking four points from the last two games with Bolton and Blackburn have easedMcLeish's worries about who might be available. [LNB]He said: 'Nikola Zigic, Obafemi Martins and Martin Jiranek are still on the treatment table. [LNB] Boost: Mcleish should be able to call on defender Johnson for Birmingham's clash with Sunderland[LNB]'Zigic is showing a slight improvement, the other two are not quite ready. We will hedge our bets on Zigic. [LNB]'David Bentley (groin) has joined the group again. Jean Beausejour had a bit of a hamstring last week. He is going to be training again over the next couple of days.'[LNB] When asked who will be available this weekend, McLeish said: 'I'm not holding my breath because the team and the players who have been through the last couple of weeks have played very well. [LNB]'They definitely gave me great optimism with their attitude, their application. [LNB]'We've got another home game at St. Andrew's. We want to try and capitalise on that advantage.'[LNB] McLeish positive over Johnson as Birmingham prepare for SunderlandSix of the best: The pick of the crunch games in the Premier League run-inMcLeish puts contract talks on hold as Birmingham boss focuses on survivalAll the latest Birmingham news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: David Bentley, Roger Johnson, Obafemi Martins, Alex McLeish Places: Birmingham, Cardiff
